Filter apparatus with nozzle unit having nested nozzle tubes

ABSTRACT

A self-cleaning, automated apparatus with a filter for fluids includes a nozzle unit assembly that has two nozzle tubes, one inside of another. Each of the tubes has a respective pattern of one or more slots or holes. As the tubes rotate, one with respect to the other, part of the pattern of the one coincides at times with part of the pattern of the other, resulting in a jet of fluid directed toward a filter to remove debris from the filter. The filter is rotated so the jet can reach all parts to be cleaned. The respective patterns of the two nozzle tubes may be an approximation of a helix and/or an approximation of a line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No.16/921,356 filed on Jul. 6, 2020 and entitled “Automated, Self-CleaningFilter,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in itsentirety, by this reference.

FIELD

This discussion relates to the cleaning of filters that remove particlesfrom fluids. Although this discussion teaches the principles of theinvention using several examples from water systems, the same issues andsolutions apply to systems that filter fluids other than water inresidential, commercial, and industrial systems.

BACKGROUND

Two primary classes of water systems are aquatic water systems andfiltered water systems.

People exercise, play, and relax in aquatic water systems such as pools,spas, and hot tubs. People and nature make the aquatic water in aquaticwater systems dirty, necessitating cleaning. Modern aquatic watersystems employ a pump that forces the aquatic water to move throughpipes to a filter system to remove impurities. The filter system strainsthe aquatic water through a filter that traps contaminants such asparticles and, in some cases, chemicals. The filtered water recirculatesback to an aquatic water reservoir through pipes, in the example of apool.

People depend on filtered water systems to make water clean enough for aparticular purpose such as drinking, farming, raising livestock, or usein industry. A filtered water system takes in water from a source,filters the water through a filter system, and outputs filtered water.Whereas an aquatic water system recirculates the water in a loop, to andfrom a reservoir such as a pool, a filtered water system receives waterfrom a source and outputs the filtered water to a destination that isnot the source. A filtered water system may, for example, be installedin a dwelling to improve the quality or taste of the drinking water. Inanother example, a filtered water system may be provided in a remotearea to give the nearby population access to clean water. In anotherexample, a filtered water system may be transported to the site of anatural disaster to help victims, whose normal supply of clean water isinterrupted, obtain drinkable water.

Aquatic water systems and filtered water systems both use filters totrap contaminants. The contaminants trapped in the filter, however,collect over time. As the trapped contaminant accumulate, they begin tofill the filter pores through which the water must pass. Thethus-constricted filter pores cannot pass the same volume of water perunit of time, reducing the performance of the water system: less waterpassing through the filter system leads to fewer contaminants beingremoved from the water. In an extreme case, the accumulated contaminantsrestrict the flow of water so much that the pump cannot push waterthrough the filter system, and thus no further contaminants can beremoved. The pump and the water quality both suffer degradation orfailure.

Conventional approaches teach periodic filter replacement or cleaning.

Filter replacement is expensive and inconvenient. The replaced filter,loaded with contaminants, must be accommodated in a landfill. Filterreplacement also requires the attention of a caretaker who periodicallychecks the filter, exercises judgment as to the timing of replacement,and manually swaps the dirty filter for a new, clean one.

Periodic filter cleaning overcomes some of the disadvantages of filterreplacement, but at a price. Filter cleaning, in water systems, takesplace outside the filter system or with the filter in its normal place(in situ or inline filter cleaning).

Removing a filter for cleaning can be laborious. Larger water systemshave large filter systems with large, heavy filters. Cleaning a filtermanually requires significant space and additional equipment. Thequality of the manual cleaning operation leaves much to be desired inmany instances. Moreover, this process, like that of filter replacement,still requires a careful caretaker.

Inline filter cleaning, until this disclosure of the inventive conceptsbelow, has involved backwashing, a process profusely wasteful of waterresources and requiring substantial manual intervention. Withconventional inline filter cleaning, the water circulates backwardsthrough the filter system to loosen and flush away contaminants. Thiscleaning process cleans the filter, but the backwards-flowing water,heavily laden with contaminants, cannot be recirculated to the aquaticwater reservoir; it must be shunted out of the system, perhaps into anearby field, down the drain, into the sewage system, or elsewhere. Thevolume of water required for successful backwashing increases with thesize and dirtiness of the filter.

Backwashing permits filter re-use, an advantage over filter replacement.Backwashing requires less labor than filter removal for cleaning.Nevertheless, the backwashing process requires the caretaker to performseveral acts: the recirculating pump is deactivated; the flow of waterfrom the aquatic water reservoir to the filter system is blocked; thewater filter system inlet is connected to a hose or pipe that willdirect the dirty, backward-flowing water toward its desired destination;the recirculating pump or another pump is activated to force the aquaticwater to flow opposite its normal direction, toward the outlet of thefilter system; a suitable volume of water is forced backwards throughfilter; aquatic water is added back to the aquatic water reservoir inthe volume that was spent in the backwashing; and at last all of theforegoing steps are reversed to restore normal water flow.

Then, because a significant volume of new, untreated water has beenadded to the system, the aquatic water in the reservoir is tested andtreated as required to achieve health and sanitary standards. Thebackwashing process is thus labor-intensive and wasteful and does notovercome the requirement for the caretaker perform periodic checks andto exercise judgment as to when the operation should be performed.

Various filter-cleaning technologies have been developed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,236,249, issued Feb. 22, 1966 (D1, hereafter), teachesan air filter cleaner apparatus for the air filters used with heavyindustrial engines. Air is a kind of fluid. These filters haveaccordion-pleated, folded paper that traps particles in air flowing toan engine. The cleaner apparatus is adapted to clean filters of varioussizes and wall thicknesses without changing the cleaner. The filtercleaner design does “not require driving motors or other power devices”and “eliminates all hand labor.” This design provides multiple, interiorspray heads and multiple, exterior spray heads. The exterior spray headsforce water only against the exterior pleats of the air filter, but areangled so that an air filter placed into the cleaner apparatus rotateson a freely-rotatable platform under the force of the water, allowingthe entire surface of the air filter's interior to rotate in front ofthe interior spray heads. The exterior spray heads, however, due totheir angle with the exterior of the air filter, spray water notdirectly into the pleats of the air filter but obliquely, resulting inless effective cleaning compared to a design where the cleaning fluid issprayed directly into the pleats of the air filter. All of the sprayheads, interior and exterior, spray at the same time. Operation of thiscleaning system requires the filter be removed from its normal operatinglocation to a separate filter cleaner device.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,163, issued Jan. 10, 1967 (D2, hereafter), teachesin FIG. 6 a swimming pool filter that may be cleaned by a stationary jetstream, without separating the filter from its housing. The swimmingpool filter in this document is not accordion-pleated but, instead, aseries of vertically stacked but spaced disks. Outside the filter is anelongate jet manifold that has multiple jet openings directed inwardlytoward the center of the filter. Like the device in D1, the device inthis document D2 does not use a driving motor or a power device.Instead, the device includes either a manually operated crank handle oran angled stream of water directed against an impeller that rotates thefilter to bring each part of the filter in front of the openings of thestationary, elongate, jet manifold. The filter cleaning operation can beactuated by manually operating a control lever. Like the device in D1,all of the cleaning jet openings operate at the same time.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,363,771, issued Jan. 16, 1968 (D3, hereafter), teaches afilter for possible use in a swimming pool. The filter is notaccordion-pleated, but a screen mounted on the outside of a supportstructure, made of rods, that defines a cylinder. A motor rotates thecylinder during normal operation. This document describes a “nozzle inthe form of a slot.” This slot is the inlet for the normally circulatingwater to enter the filter system. This inlet slot directs water to befiltered against the mesh of the screen, covering the rotating cylinder,at an angle in opposition to the direction of rotation of the cylinder.Multiple pipes feed the inlet slot so that the water entering the filtersystem has a uniform flow along the length of the cylinder. The documentteaches that the positioning of the inlet slot, the positioning and useof a mesh, and the location of the rods inside the cylinder close to butnot touching the mesh, combine to induce a continuous automaticbackwashing operation. The filter in D3 may be suited to remove onlylarge particles which, when jarred loose from the wire mesh, separateout due to gravity.

German patent publication DE3537138A1, published Oct. 18, 1985 (D4,hereafter), teaches a device for cleaning a filter bag used in themanufacture of wet glues. During manufacturing, material is undesirablycaked on the outside of the filter bag. To remove the caked-on material,multiple water jets are used on the inside and outside of the filter,all simultaneously operating, to fragment the caked-on material forremoval.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,942, issued Dec. 13, 1988 (D5, hereafter), teaches afiltration apparatus with a semi-permeable membrane for use in reverseosmosis, ultrafiltration, dialysis, electro-dialysis, water-spitting,pervaporation and microfiltration, where one or more substances areseparated from each other. The semi-permeable membrane is made of filtermedia, which can become clogged by the accumulation of dissolved orsuspended material. The cleaning method does not use any directed jetsof fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,999, issued Dec. 24, 1991 (D6, hereafter), teaches abackflushing assembly for a cylindrical stack of filter disks. The disksare cleaned by introducing a backflushing water supply that induces afluid-driven rotation to the filter disk stack, and by raising andlowering a backflushing nozzle assembly along the length of the filterdisk stack, from within the interior of the stack. The raising andlowering is performed by manually or by introducing pressurized fluidinto a cylinder connected to the nozzle assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,419, issued Nov. 23, 1999 (D7, hereafter), teachesways to clean pleated filter cartridges used in swimming pools. Thedocument teaches that the filter is removed from its operationallocation and rinsed with a garden hose, combing each longitudinal pleatfold with water. The filter is then soaked in a solution of muriaticacid and water to remove calcium or mineral buildup, and then rinsed,loading the cartridge on a spindle rod and then using a garden hose tospray the filter while inducing rotation with the water flow. Thedocument also teaches an in-situ cleaning system that sprays water fromeither one of two alternative manifolds equipped with multiple nozzlejets. One set of nozzle jets, mounted on one of the two manifolds, isangled to induce a clockwise spin on the filter which is allowed tofreely spin on an axle and bearings. Another set of nozzle jets, mountedon the other of the two manifolds, is angled to induce acounterclockwise spin. All of the nozzles of a given manifold operate atthe same time.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,213, issued Dec. 5, 2000 (D8, hereafter), teaches asystem similar to the in-situ cleaning system of D7 for cleaning pleatedfilter cartridges. This document teaches sets of manifolds eitherexterior to the filter cartridge or interior to the filter cartridge.

United States patent application publication 2004-0149318, publishedAug. 5, 2004 (D9, hereafter), relates to cleaning pleated filtercartridges. This document teaches that such cartridges should be cleanedfrom the inside-out direction to avoid the further impression ofsmall-sized debris particles into the pleats, which might occur whencleaning from outside-in. In this document, multiple, angled nozzlesspray fluid within the cartridge and induce the cartridge to rotatearound the spray nozzles. All of the nozzles operate contemporaneously.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,641, issued Apr. 5, 2005 (D10, hereafter), teaches aself-cleaning filter assembly for a pleated filter cartridge where thecartridge is mounted on a hydrodynamic bearing that uses a film of wateras the load bearing component that enables rotation of the cartridgefilter element. A longitudinal manifold sprays fluid from a set ofinclined nozzles along the length of the exterior of the pleated filtercartridge to clean the cartridge and also induce the cartridge to rotateon the hydrodynamic bearing. All of the nozzles spray contemporaneously.

United States patent application publication 2006-0243309A1, publishedNov. 2, 2006 (D11 hereafter), teaches a portable cleaning device forcleaning paint rollers or spa and pool filters. Cleaning the filter orroller requires removing it from its operational location and placing itin the portable cleaning device. The portable cleaning device connectsto a fluid source such as a garden hose; a longitudinal pipe withnozzles sprays water on the filter or roller while a second longitudinalpipe sprays fluid from a single opening onto an impeller to rotate theitem being cleaned. All of the nozzles operate at the same time.

France patent application publication FR2913348A1, published Sep. 12,2008, in the French language (D12 hereafter), appears to show a cleaningdevice for a hollow, cylindrical element, where an internal,longitudinal manifold and an external, longitudinal manifoldsimultaneously spray fluid from multiple jets along the length of theelement as a motorized gear rotates the element.

France patent application publication FR2944454A1, published Oct. 22,2010, in the French language (D13 hereafter), appears to show a cleaningdevice for a cylindrical element, where an external, longitudinalmanifold sprays fluid from multiple nozzles along the length of theelement. The nozzles are inclined to induce the element to rotate. Someinternal nozzles spray fluid over part of the interior of the element.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,738, issued Aug. 23, 2016 (D14 hereafter), teachesan elongate nozzle tube arranged outside a filter element made ofpleated sheets. The nozzle tube has openings that direct water along theexterior of the filter element. The filter element is rotated. Thehousing that encloses the filter element and the nozzle tube alsoincludes an ultrasonic transducer tube at one side of the filter to aidin loosening deposits from the filter element surface. In normaloperation, the water inlet introduces water to be filtered in an areaoutside the filter element, and the water outlet removes filtered waterfrom a position interior to the filter element. The top of the filterelement is closed by a plug. In a cleaning operation, a drive motordrives the filter element and a pump forces water into the nozzle tube.The nozzle tube has multiple nozzles formed as slots. Water pumped intothe nozzle tube by the pump exits all of the nozzles at the same time,all along the length of the nozzle tube.

The more nozzles in use at the same time, however, the lower thepressure of the fluid ejected at any given nozzle.

SUMMARY

Apparatuses and methods for cleaning a filter element are disclosedbelow.

One example of an inventive apparatus includes a housing and a filter,enclosed at least in part by the housing, having material that allowsfluid to pass therethrough while filtering particles from the fluid. Theapparatus also includes a nozzle unit, enclosed at least in part by thehousing, having nozzle tubes which include at least one nozzle tube andanother nozzle tube. The nozzle tubes have respective openings arrangedin respective patterns. One nozzle tube is rotatably disposed within theother to permit rotation of the one with respect to the other. Therespective openings of the tubes are arranged in their respectivepatterns so that the rotation of the one tube in the other causes atleast one of the openings of the one tube to come into a mutualalignment with at least one of the openings of the other tube, in adirection facing the filter. The apparatus may also include a motivepower source coupled with the nozzle unit and configured to cause therotation of the one nozzle tube with respect to the other.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Themotive power source may be coupled with the filter and configured tocause the filter to rotate. The motive power source may includedifferent motors that cause the rotation of the nozzle tubes and causethe filter to rotate.

The respective openings of the one nozzle tube may be arranged in ahelical pattern while the respective openings of the other nozzle tubemay be arranged in a linear pattern. Alternatively, the respectiveopenings of the other nozzle tube may be arranged in a helical pattern.

One nozzle tube may include polyoxymethylene to provide a snug andslidable engagement between the one nozzle tube and the other nozzletube and to accommodate a film of fluid therebetween that acts as alubricant.

The apparatus may include a pump operable to supply pressure to pushfluid into the nozzle unit. The nozzle unit may emit a fluid jet towardthe filter when the pump pushes fluid into the nozzle unit and therespective openings of the nozzle tubes align. In one aspect, the nozzleunit emits substantially only one fluid jet at a time within thehousing. In another aspect, there is substantially only one fluid jet ata time within the entire housing.

The apparatus may include a set of flow components that control flow ofa fluid into and out of the housing. The set of flow components mayinclude: in the housing, a plurality of fluid ports; a plurality ofvalves; an inlet pressure sensor and an outlet pressure sensor; and afilter vent valve. An implementation may include the one nozzle tubebeing coupled to a first fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports; thehousing being coupled to a second fluid port of the plurality of fluidports; the filter being coupled to a third fluid port of the pluralityof fluid ports; the housing being coupled to a fourth fluid port of theplurality of fluid ports; and the housing being coupled to a filter ventport. The plurality of valves may include: a nozzle unit valvecontrolling a flow of the fluid through the first fluid port; a drainvalve controlling the flow of the fluid through the fourth fluid port;and a filter vent valve controlling flow through the filter vent port.The apparatus may include a pump operable to move the fluid along afirst fluid path including the second fluid port, the filter, and thethird fluid port. the inlet pressure sensor sensing an inflow pressureof the fluid at the second fluid port; and the outlet pressure sensorsensing an outflow pressure of the fluid at the third fluid port.

In an implementation, the apparatus may include a flow control systemoperable to communicate with the set of flow components. Such a flowcontrol system may include: a processing system having a hardwareprocessor operable to perform a predefined set of basic operations inresponse to receiving a corresponding basic instruction selected from apredefined native instruction set of codes, and with a memory accessibleto the processing system; flow-control logic, which may include machinecodes stored in the memory and selected from the predefined nativeinstruction set of codes of the hardware processor, adapted to interactwith the set of flow components, the motive power source, and the pump.The flow-control logic may have a first flow-control sublogiccontrolling the nozzle unit valve to close, the drain valve to close,the filter vent valve to close, and the pump to propel the fluid; andthe flow-control logic may also have a second flow-control sublogiccontrolling the nozzle unit valve to open, the drain valve to open, themotive power source to cause the rotation of the one nozzle tube withrespect to the other nozzle tube, and the motive power source to rotatethe filter.

In an implementation, the apparatus may have a user-interfacecontroller, controlled by the processing system, and user-interfacelogic. Such logic may include machine codes stored in the memory andselected from the predefined native instruction set of codes of thehardware processor, adapted to operate with the user-interfacecontroller to implement a user interface on a flow control display;where the user interface may include: a display area showing a presentapparatus status; and user-activatable display regions, including amanual cleaning start button, an auto cleaning on/off button. In oneimplementation, the display area displays a representation of adifference between pressures sensed by the inlet pressure sensor and theoutlet pressure sensor. In another implementation, the user-activatabledisplay regions include one or more auxiliary buttons to control one ormore of pool lights, a spa circulation feature, a spa whirlpool feature,and a pool heater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified view of an apparatus that represents anembodiment of a novel filter cleaning system.

FIG. 2 shows a highly simplified, schematic view that explains aprinciple of a novel filter cleaning system.

FIG. 3 shows various views of a suitable example of an inner nozzle tubewith a helical pattern of holes or openings, also referred to as a firststructure.

FIG. 4 shows various views of a suitable example of an outer tube with alinear pattern of slots or openings, also referred to as a secondstructure.

FIG. 5 shows how the first structure depicted in the example of FIG. 3is accommodated within the second structure depicted in the example ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows various views of a filter, also referred to as a thirdstructure.

FIG. 7 shows a drive attachment added to part of the combined structureshown in FIG. 5, also referred to as a first drive attachment.

FIG. 8 shows a drive attachment added to the filter depicted in FIG. 6,also referred to as a third drive attachment.

FIG. 9 shows an example of applying rotational force to the first driveattachment and the third drive attachment using a belt and only a singlemotor.

FIG. 10 shows an example of using more than one motor to apply therotational force to the first structure and the third structure.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a filter system connected to pipes andvarious flow control components, in an embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a filter system as used in an aquatic watersystem, in a normal mode of operation.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a filter system as in FIG. 12, but in acleaning mode of operation.

FIG. 14 shows a highly simplified, schematic and pictorial depiction ofan embodiment of a flow control system that controls the operation ofthe various flow control components.

FIG. 15 illustrates the steps of an algorithm for implementing acleaning operation and how the flow control system interacts with theflow control components when performing such an algorithm.

FIG. 16 illustrates the steps of an algorithm for implementing a normaloperation and how the flow control system interacts with the flowcontrol components when performing such an operation.

FIG. 17 illustrates an assembly that includes the cleaning system,configured for rapid deployment.

FIG. 18 illustrates, from another angle, a view of the assembly of FIG.17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This detailed description explains a concrete embodiment of theinventive concepts. The many details and specificities provided in thedescription below are provided to teach the broad principles of theinventive concept. The full breadth of the inventive concept, however,is not intended to be limited to the details below.

FIG. 1 depicts, in a simplified, schematic form, the overallrelationship between the major structures described below. In thisfigure, in an apparatus 10, a first structure 100 rotates within asecond structure 200 to emit a powerful, traversing jet of fluid towarda rotating third structure 300. A housing 400 contains the fluid sprayfrom escaping the apparatus. A motive power source 500 provides therotational force that turns the first structure 100 and the thirdstructure 300. A flow control system 600 may control these operations,and also open and close or start and stop various other flow componentssuch as valves, pressure sensors, and pumps.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1,viewed from above in a highly simplified, schematic form. The secondstructure 200 accommodates the first structure 100 within. The firststructure 100 and the second structure 200 are accompanied within thehousing 400 by a third structure 300 which is a filter. The secondstructure 200 is stationary. The first structure 100 rotates under afirst rotational force imparted, under the control of the flow controlsystem 600, by motive power source 500 as does the third structure 300.

The pattern of holes in the first structure 100, the first pattern, isdifferent from the pattern of holes in the second structure 200, thesecond pattern. When the first structure 100 rotates within the secondstructure 200, the two patterns of holes align from time to time,allowing a jet of the fluid inside first structure 100 to escape throughthe holes in the first pattern that are aligned with holes in the secondpattern.

Various views of the first structure 100 appear in FIG. 3. In the centerview is a nozzle tube, also referred to as the first structure 100,viewed from the outside in a first orientation. To the right of thecenter view is a similar view of the first structure 100 after it isrotated half a turn. To the left of the center view is a cross-sectionalview of the first structure 100, but as it would appear if the middleview were rotated a quarter turn toward the right.

The first structure 100 may, in many respects, be a hollow tube. Thefirst structure 100 has an outer surface, referred to hereafter as thefirst outer surface 105. The first structure 100 has an inner surface,referred to hereafter as the first inner surface 110. A first wall 115is between the first outer surface 105 and the first inner surface 110.

The first structure 100 has an interior, referred to hereafter as thefirst inner space 120. The first inner space 120 is defined by the firstinner surface 110. Within the first inner space 120 is a firstcylindrical chamber 125. The first inner space 120 need not be acylindrical chamber along its entirety. Within the first inner space 120a portion may optionally be non-cylindrical.

The first cylindrical chamber 125 has a first longitudinal axis 130 asseen in the center view of FIG. 3.

The first structure 100 has an outer diameter, referred to hereafter asthe first outer diameter 135. The first outer diameter 135 may bethought of as extending from the first outer surface 105 and across thefirst cylindrical chamber 125 in a first direction 140 that is normal tothe first longitudinal axis 130.

Part of the first wall 115 has openings. This part of the first wall 115that has openings is referred to hereafter as a first part 145 of thefirst wall 115. The openings in the first wall 115, in this first part145, are referred to hereafter as first openings 150. In other words,the first wall 115 has a first part 145 with one or more first openings150. The first openings 150 communicate between the first outer surface105 and the first cylindrical chamber 125.

The first openings 150 shown in FIG. 3 are a series of circular holes.The circular holes may, in an alternative embodiment, be replaced orreplaced in part with a series of slots or a pattern of alternatingcircular holes and slots. In yet another alternative embodiment, thecircular holes are replaced or replaced in part with elongate openingssuch as long slots.

The one or more first openings 150 are arranged in a pattern, referredto hereafter as a first pattern 155. In this example, the first pattern155 approximates a helix about the first longitudinal axis 130. Otherpatterns may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the helix makes morethan one complete revolution around the first longitudinal axis 130. Inan alternative embodiment, the first pattern 155 approximates a doublehelix.

In one embodiment, the first part 145 of the first structure 100comprises polyoxymethylene, which provides for a snug but slidableengagement between the first structure 100 and the second structure 200and accommodates a very thin film of fluid therebetween which acts as alubricant between the two structures. In alternative embodiments, thefirst structure 100 comprises materials other than polyoxymethylene.

Two views of an embodiment of the second structure 200, also referred toas an outer tube, are depicted in FIG. 4. The view on the left is fromthe side. The view on the right is a cross-section of the secondstructure 200 as if the view on the left were turned one-quarter of aturn to the right.

The second structure 200 has an outer surface, hereafter referred to asa second outer surface 205. The second structure 200 is generally hollowinside, and has an inner surface referred to, hereafter, as a secondinner surface 210. The material between the second inner surface 210 andthe second outer surface 205 forms a wall, referred to hereafter as thesecond wall 215.

The hollow, inside part of the second inner surface 210 is referred to,hereafter, as a second inner space 220. The second inner space 220 isdefined by the second inner surface 210.

At least part of the second inner space 220 is a cylindrical chamberthat accommodates the first structure 100. The cylindrical chamber inthe second inner space 220 is referred to, hereafter, as the secondcylindrical chamber 225. This second cylindrical chamber 225 has alongitudinal axis, about which the second cylindrical chamber 225 isdisposed, referred to hereafter as a second longitudinal axis 230.

The second structure 200 has an inner diameter, referred to hereafter asa second inner diameter 235. The second inner diameter 235 extends fromthe second inner surface 210 and across the second cylindrical chamber225 in a direction, hereafter referred to as a second direction 240,that is normal to the second longitudinal axis 230.

At least part of the second wall 215, hereafter referred to as a secondpart 245 of the second wall 215, has one or more openings. Theseopenings in the second wall 215 are referred to hereafter as one or moresecond openings 250. The second openings 250 communicate between thesecond outer surface 205 and the second cylindrical chamber 225.

The second openings 250 are arranged in a pattern, hereafter referred toas a second pattern 255. The second pattern 255 shown in FIG. 4approximates a line parallel to the second longitudinal axis 230. Otherpatterns may be used.

The one or more second openings 250 shown in FIG. 4 are three elongateslots. In an alternative embodiment, the one or more second openings 250comprise only one elongate slot that replaces the three elongate slotsshown in FIG. 4. In another alternative embodiment, the second openings250 comprise a series of circular holes arranged along the same line. Inyet another alternative embodiment, the second openings 250 comprise acombination of slots and circular holes.

The second pattern 255 is different from the first pattern 155. In otherwords, both patterns are not identical. In one embodiment, the firstpattern 155 approximates a helix about the first longitudinal axis 130and the second pattern 255 approximates a line parallel to the secondlongitudinal axis 230.

The second inner diameter 235 accommodates the first outer diameter 135so that the first structure 100 can fit within the second structure 200and so that the two structures can be moved rotationally, with respectto one another. When the first structure 100 is inside the secondstructure 200, the first cylindrical chamber 125 is disposed within thesecond cylindrical chamber 225, and the two structures together may bereferred to as a nozzle unit.

The arrangement described in the preceding paragraph is illustrated invarious views in FIG. 5. The center view of FIG. 5 shows the firststructure 100 as depicted in the central view from FIG. 3 inside thesecond structure 200 as depicted in the right view from FIG. 4. Theright view of FIG. 5 shows the first structure 100 as depicted in theright view from FIG. 3 inside the second structure 200 as depicted inthe right view from FIG. 4. The left view of FIG. 5 shows thecross-section of the first structure 100 as depicted in the left viewfrom FIG. 3 inside a cross-section of the second structure 200 asdepicted in the left view from FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, in the central view and the left view, the first openings 150align with the second openings 250 in the middle of the two structures.In the right view, the first openings 150 align with the second openings250 at the top and at the bottom of the structures.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 depicts the one or more second openings250 being wider than the one or more first openings 150. In anotherembodiment, the second openings 250 are not so wide, and permit theconcurrent alignment of only one or two of the first openings 150 withthe second openings 250.

As shown in FIG. 5, rotating the first structure 100 with respect to thesecond structure 200 results in different ones of the one or more firstopenings 150 to align with the one or more second openings 250. Whenfluid under pressure is introduced within first structure 100, a jet ofthe fluid can escape through both the first structure 100 and secondstructure 200 only where the first openings 150 align with the secondopenings 250. Because most of the first openings 150 are occluded by thesecond wall 215 of the second structure 200, most of the first openings150 are blocked form emitting fluid.

Thus, in the center view of FIG. 5, a jet of fluid would emerge fromonly the middle area where the first openings 150 and the secondopenings 250 align (i.e., there are openings in mutual alignment). Asthe first structure 100 continues to rotate, the jet emerges from apoint that traverses vertically along the first longitudinal axis 130.Assuming, for the moment, that the first structure 100 rotates in aclockwise direction when viewed from the top, the jet of fluid traversesfrom the top of first structure 100 to the bottom. The right-side viewof FIG. 5 shows the orientation of the first structure 100 and thesecond structure 200 at the instant the jet has reached the bottom andis just starting to start again at the top.

In an embodiment in which only one jet is emitted at a time, the forceof the jet is stronger than if two or more jets are emitted. The forceis much stronger than previously employed technology, in which everynozzle jet emits fluid at the same time. The result is that typicalwater pressure from an average home supplies enough of a jet to cleandebris from a filter, avoiding the need to use a strong pump.

A filter unit is depicted in FIG. 6. The filter unit is referred tohereafter as a third structure 300. The third structure 300 is rotatableabout a longitudinal axis, referred to hereafter as a third longitudinalaxis 330. Returning briefly to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the thirdlongitudinal axis 330 is parallel to the second longitudinal axis 230.

At least part of the third structure 300, referred to hereafter as athird part 345 of the third structure 300, has openings sized to filterparticles from a fluid passing therethrough. These filter openings arereferred to, hereafter, as third openings 350.

In one embodiment, the third part 345 comprises an elongate sheet 375 ofmaterial folded accordion-style into pleats. The elongate sheet 375 ismanufactured with the third openings 350 being sized to a predetermineddiameter. It may be provided in micron mesh configurations andmaterials. The third openings 350 illustrated in FIG. 6 trap particleslarger in size than the diameter of the third openings 350. It is theseparticles that accumulate and must be cleaned from time to time.

Returning to FIG. 1, a housing 400 encloses some or all of the firststructure 100, the second structure 200, and the third structure 300. Inan embodiment, some of the first structure 100, the second structure200, or the third structure 300 extends outside of the housing for thesake of attachment or the like. In either situation, the housing 400encloses at least the first part 145 of the first wall 115 of the firststructure 100, at least the second part 245 of the second wall 215 ofthe second structure 200, and at least the third part 345 of the thirdstructure 300.

As explained previously, during a cleaning operation the first structure100 is rotated so that a traversing jet of fluid is emitted through thesecond openings 250 of the second structure 200, which are in anembodiment positioned to direct the traversing jet directly at thecenter of the third structure 300. The third structure 300 is alsorotated so that various faces of the third part 345 may be broughtopposite the traversing jet of fluid.

In an embodiment, the first structure 100 includes a first driveattachment 160 such as that shown in FIG. 7. The first drive attachment160 is adapted to receive a rotational force, hereafter referred to as afirst rotational force 165, and to transfer it to the first structure100. Likewise, the third structure 300 may include a third driveattachment 360 such as that shown in FIG. 8. The third drive attachment360 is adapted to receive a respective rotational force, hereafterreferred to as a third rotational force 365, and to transfer it to thethird structure 300.

The source of the first rotational force 165 and the third rotationalforce 365 may be a motive power source 500 as shown in FIG. 1 and inFIG. 2. In FIG. 8, the motive power source 500 is a single motor 501. InFIG. 9, only a single motor 501 produces both the first rotational force165 and the third rotational force 365. In FIG. 9, the single motor 501applies the third rotational force 365 directly to the third structure300 and applies the first rotational force 165 indirectly to the firststructure 100. In an alternative embodiment, the single motor 501applies the first rotational force 165 directly to the first structure100 and applies the third rotational force 365 indirectly to the thirdstructure 300.

In FIG. 9, a rotational force, such as the first rotational force 165 orthe third rotational force 365, is applied indirectly, via a drive belt504, to one of the first drive attachment 160 and the third driveattachment 360. In an embodiment, both rotational forces are appliedindirectly to the respective drive attachments. In an alternativeembodiment, the drive belt 504 may be replaced by a gear or a system ofgears. In another alternative embodiment, the drive belt 504 may bereplaced by one or more cogs in a clockwork fashion.

In the alternative cleaning system shown in FIG. 10, the motive powersource 500 includes a first motor 511 to supply the first rotationalforce 165 and a second motor 513 to supply the third rotational force365, allowing for finer control over the rotation speed of the firststructure 100 relative to the third structure 300.

In FIG. 9, the housing includes a base portion with fluid ports to allowfluid to flow into or out of the apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 9, thefirst structure 100 (inside second structure 200) is coupled to a fluidport, hereafter referred to as a first fluid port 170, to receive fluidfor use in a cleaning operation. The housing 400 is coupled to a fluidport, hereafter referred to as second fluid port 470, to allow fluid tobe filtered to flow into the housing 400. The third structure 300 iscoupled to a fluid port, hereafter referred to as a third fluid port370, to allow fluid that has been filtered to exit the apparatus 10. Thehousing 400 is further connected to a fourth fluid port 471 to act as adrain. A filter vent port provided in the housing 400 is provided toallow undesired fluid, such as atmospheric gas, to be released tooutside, as described below.

The first fluid port 170, in an embodiment, connects to a nozzle unitvalve 510 as shown in FIG. 11. The nozzle unit valve 510 controls theflow of fluid through the first fluid port 170 and into the firststructure 100. The fourth fluid port 471, in an embodiment, connects toa drain valve 520. The third fluid port 370 and the second fluid port470 are connected to outlet and inlet pipes, respectively. In FIG. 11,an inlet port pressure sensor 550 senses an inflow pressure of the fluidat the second fluid port 470. An outlet port pressure sensor 560 sensesan outflow pressure of the fluid at the third fluid port 370. Thepressure relief valve 530 shown in FIG. 11 controls the flow through thefilter vent port in the housing 400.

The pool in FIG. 12 is an example of an aquatic water reservoir. In theexample shown in FIG. 12, a pump 570 is operable in a normal mode tomove the fluid along a path, referred to hereafter as a first fluidpath, that includes the second fluid port 470 which is the inlet to thehousing 400. The fluid in the housing passes through the third part 345of the third structure 300, which is the filter portion of the filterunit, and also part of the first fluid path. The fluid continues alongthe first fluid path through the third fluid port 370 which is theoutlet from the housing 400 and leads back to the reservoir. In thisnormal mode, the nozzle unit valve 510 prevents fluid from enteringthrough the first fluid port 170 and the drain valve 520 prevents fluidfrom leaving through the fourth fluid port 471. In other words, thenozzle unit valve 510 is closed, the drain valve 520 is closed, thepressure relief valve 530 is closed, the pump 570 propels the fluidalong the first fluid path, and the motive power source 500 does notapply the first rotational force 165 or the third rotational force 365.

A cleaning operation is depicted in FIG. 13, in which the pump 570 isdeactivated. Because the pump 570 does not push the fluid along thefirst fluid path, the fluid does not flow along this path; it remainsgenerally stationary. During the cleaning operation, the nozzle unitvalve 510 is open and fluid enters the first structure 100 and exits asa jet through the second structure 200. The drain valve 520 is open sothat debris cleaned from the third structure 300 exits the housing 400.The motive power source 500 applies the first rotational force 165 tothe first structure 100 and the third rotational force 365 to the thirdstructure 300.

The nozzle unit valve 510, the drain valve 520, the pressure reliefvalve 530, the inlet port pressure sensor 550, the outlet port pressuresensor 560, and the pump 570 may be thought as a set of flow components580. The flow components 580 are controllable by the flow control system600 shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2. The flow control system 600 isoperable to communicate with the set of flow components 580. In anembodiment, the communication is through wires. In another embodiment,the communication is through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and/or cellular signals.

An embodiment of the flow control system 600 is illustrated in FIG. 14.In FIG. 14, the flow control system 600 includes a processing system605, a memory 615, a user-interface controller 700, and a flow controldisplay 720.

One embodiment of the flow control system 600 is realized in a computersystem. Here, the term “computer system” is to be understood to includeat least a memory and a processing system. In general, the memory willstore, at one time or another, at least portions of an executableprogram code, and the processing system will execute one or moreinstructions included in that executable program code. It will beappreciated that the term “executable program code” and the term“software” mean substantially the same thing for this description. Theprocessing system includes at least one hardware processor, and in otherexamples includes multiple processors and/or multiple processor cores.The processing system in yet another example includes processors fromdifferent devices working together.

In one example, the flow control system is embodied in a computerprogram product. A computer program product is an article of manufacturethat has a computer-readable medium with software adapted to enable aprocessing system to perform various operations and actions.

On a practical level the software, that enables the computer system toperform the operations described herein, is supplied in many forms. Theactual implementation of the approach and operations of the flow controlsystem are at one time statements written in a computer language. Suchcomputer language statements, when made executable by a computer andthen executed by the computer, cause the computer to act in accordancewith the particular content of the statements. The software that enablesa computer system to act in accordance with the inventive concept isprovided in any number of forms including, but not limited to, originalsource code, assembly code, object code, machine language, compressed orencrypted versions of the foregoing, and any equivalents.

Software is stored on a computer-readable medium. Some computer-readablemedia are transitory, and some are non-transitory.

An example of a transitory computer-readable medium is the buffers oftransmitters and receivers that briefly store only portions of softwarewhen the software is being downloaded over the Internet. Another exampleof a transitory computer-readable medium is a carrier signal or radiofrequency signal in transit that conveys portions of software over theair or through cabling when the software is being downloaded. Anotherexample of a transitory computer-readable medium is the processorbuffers and cache into which portions of software are loaded forimmediate execution.

Non-transitory computer-readable media are different from transitorycomputer-readable media in terms of the amount of software stored andthe duration of the storage. Non-transitory computer-readable media holdthe software in its entirety, and for longer duration, as opposed totransitory computer-readable media that hold only a portion of thesoftware and for a relatively short time. The term, “non-transitorycomputer-readable medium,” specifically excludes communication signalssuch as radio frequency signals in transit.

Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include portablestorage such as a diskette, a tape, a compact disc, an optical disc, aUSB disk, a USB stick, a flash disk, an external SSD, a compact flashcard, an SD card, and the like. Other examples of non-transitorycomputer-readable media include secondary storage such as an internalhard drive, an internal SSD, internal flash memory, internalnon-volatile memory, internal DRAM, ROM, RAM, and the like. Anotherexample of non-transitory computer-readable media is the primary storageof a computer system when large enough to store and when used to storeall of a given software. Yet other examples may be developed in thefuture.

Although the software is “written on” a disc, “embodied in” anintegrated circuit, “carried over” a communications circuit, “stored in”a memory chip, or “loaded in” a cache memory, it will be appreciatedthat, for this application, the software will be referred to simply asbeing “in” or “on” the computer-readable medium. The terms “in” or “on”are intended to encompass the above mentioned and all equivalent andpossible ways software is associated with a computer-readable medium.Likewise, a computer-readable medium is said to “hold,” to “have,” to“store,” or to “bear” the software.

For simplicity, therefore, the term “computer program product” is usedto refer to a computer-readable medium, which bears any form of softwareto enable a computer system to operate according to any embodiment ofthe inventive concept.

The flow control system is also embodied in a user interface responsiveto user inputs to invoke one or more operations by an applicationprogram. A user interface is any hardware, software, or combination ofhardware and software that allows a user to interact with a computersystem. For this discussion, a user interface includes one or more userinterface objects. User interface objects include display regions, useractivatable regions, and the like.

A display region is a region of a user interface which displaysinformation to the user. A user activatable region is a region of a userinterface, such as a button or a menu, which allows the user to takesome action. A display region and a user activatable region are, in someexamples, collocated, overlapping, or reside one within the other.

A user interface is invoked by an application program. When anapplication program invokes a user interface, it is typically forinteracting with a user.

It is unnecessary, however, for the inventive concept, that an actualuser ever interact with the user interface. It is also unnecessary, forthe inventive concept, that an interaction with the user interface beperformed by an actual user. In some examples, the user interfaceinteracts with another program, such as a program to simulate theactions of a user with respect to the user interface.

Therefore, as used herein, “user” means an actual person or a programinteracting with a user interface.

The interrelationship between the executable software instructions andthe hardware processor is structural. The instructions per se are simplya series of symbols or numeric values that do not intrinsically conveyany information. It is the hardware processor, which by design waspreconfigured to interpret the symbols or numeric values that impartsmeaning to the instructions.

The hardware processor is configured when designed so as to perform apredefined set of basic operations in response to receiving acorresponding basic instruction selected from a predefined nativeinstruction set of codes.

The software modules or logic must be made executable before thehardware processor can perform the operations designed into thesoftware. The process of making the logic executable by a hardwareprocessor, a process known to those familiar with this technical fieldas compilation or interpretation, is not the subject of this applicationand is well known in the field, and therefore will not be described inany detail here. When logic is made executable for a hardware processor,the logic is necessarily changed into machine codes that are selectedfrom the predefined native instruction set of codes that can be carriedout by the hardware processor.

The logic described below, when made executable, therefore includes arespective set of machine codes selected from the native instructionset.

The foregoing points apply by analogy to application-specific integratedcircuits, field programmable gate arrays, and the like, all of whichembody logic executable by a hardware processor.

Returning to FIG. 14, showing an embodiment of a flow control system600, the processing system 605 includes a hardware processor 610. Thehardware processor 610 is operable to perform a predefined set of basicoperations in response to receiving a corresponding basic instructionselected from a predefined native instruction set of codes 611. Thememory 615 is accessible to the processing system 605.

The memory stores first machine codes 710 and second machine codes 810.The first machine codes 710 are selected from the predefined nativeinstruction set of codes 611 of the hardware processor 610, as are thesecond machine codes 810.

In FIG. 14, user-interface logic 705 includes first machine codes 710which are adapted to operate with the user-interface controller 700 toimplement a user interface 715 on the flow control display 720. Anexample of a user interface 715 includes a display area that shows thepresent status of the apparatus 10. The user interface 715 also includesuser-activatable display regions such as a menu, a manual cleaning startbutton, an auto cleaning on/off button, and one or more auxiliarybuttons to control other features that are interfaced with the flowcontrol system 600 such as pool lights, a spa circulation feature, a spawhirlpool feature, a pool heater, and the like.

The flow-control logic 805 includes second machine codes 810 which areadapted to interact with the set of flow components 580 and with themotive power source 500. In an embodiment, the flow-control logic 805includes first flow-control sublogic 815 and second flow-controlsublogic 825. The first flow-control sublogic 815 controls the flowcomponents 580 and the motive power source 500 to open, close, activate,or deactivate at timings and in an order to implement a normal operationsuch as that illustrated in FIG. 12. The second flow-control sublogic825 controls the flow components 580 and the motive power source 500 toimplement a cleaning operation such as that illustrated in FIG. 13.

An embodiment of an algorithm for implementing the second flow-controlsublogic 825 is illustrated in FIG. 15. The flow components 580 appearacross the top of the drawing. Here, the flow control system 600monitors a value PSI(in) provided by the inlet port pressure sensor 550and a value PSI(out) provided by the outlet port pressure sensor 560.When the difference between the two values, which may be referred to asΔP, exceeds a predetermined threshold T, the flow control system 600 mayinitiate a cleaning operation. The calculation of ΔP may be performed bythe flow control system 600 in a pressure comparison step 910. The userinterface 715 displayed on the flow control display 720 may include adisplay area in which the value of ΔP is shown, as depicted in FIG. 14.

In addition to performing the cleaning operation as just mentioned, oras an alternative, the cleaning operation may be initiated manually byan operator or may be automatically initiated according to a schedule.The manual initiation of cleaning may, for example, be initiated usingthe flow control system 600 via the user interface 715 shown on the flowcontrol display 720. In FIG. 14, for example, the user interface 715includes a display area labeled “Manual Cleaning” and a user activatablearea, to the right of the label, with which a user may interact toinitiate the cleaning operation or to terminate a cleaning operation.The entry of a schedule of times for cleaning may, for example, beaccomplished via a functional menu that may be accessed by a user bypressing a user activatable area as depicted in FIG. 14, where the leftindex finger of a user is shown overlapping part of such a useractivatable area.

When the determination, in the pressure comparison step 910 (or in astep that determines whether a manual cleaning operation is requested,or in a step that determines that a scheduled cleaning operation isdue), is that the cleaning operation is to be performed, processing maycontinue with a pump-stop step 920. In the pump-stop step 920, the pump570 may be deactivated so that fluid no longer flows along the firstfluid path. Shortly thereafter, the flow control system 600 mayimplement an open filter vent valve step 930 to cause the pressurerelief valve 530 to open. Opening the pressure relief valve 530 allowsthe fluid standing in the housing 400 to exit through the thirdstructure 300 and the third fluid port 370 so as to avoid wasting thisfluid. Once the housing 400 has emptied its fluid through the thirdfluid port 370, the flow control system 600 may command the drain valve520 to open in an open drain valve step 940. Next, the flow controlsystem 600 may perform an open nozzle unit valve step 950 to open thenozzle unit valve 510 so that fluid may flow into the first structure100. After the open drain valve step 940, the flow control system 600may also perform an apply rotational force step 960 so that the firststructure 100 is rotated about the first longitudinal axis 130 by thefirst rotational force 165 and so that the third structure 300 isrotated about the third longitudinal axis 330 by the third rotationalforce 365.

Once the cleaning operation is concluded, which may be determined in oneembodiment by the passage of a predetermined amount of time, processingby the flow control system 600 may continue to restore a normaloperation mode as shown in FIG. 16.

An embodiment of an algorithm for implementing the first flow-controlsublogic 815 is illustrated in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, when restoring thenormal operation after a cleaning operation, the flow control system 600executes a stop rotational force step 1060 so that the first structure100 and the third structure 300 do not receive the first rotationalforce 165 or the third rotational force 365 from the motive power source500. At or about the same time, the flow control system 600 performs aclose nozzle unit valve step 1050 to close the nozzle unit valve 510 sothat fluid no longer enters the first structure 100 through the firstfluid port 170. The flow control system 600 implements a close drainvalve step 1040 to close the drain valve 520 so that fluid no longerexits the housing 400 via the fourth fluid port 471. The flow controlsystem 600 causes the pump 570 to start in a pump-start step 1020. Thepump 570 begins to push fluid through the system: through the secondfluid port 470, into the housing 400, through the sheet 375 in the thirdpart 345 of the third structure 300, where any particles larger than thethird openings 350 are trapped, out the center part of third structure300 via the third fluid port 370, and so on. As the foregoing stepsoccur, a water level within the housing 400 begins to rise, displacingthe atmosphere or other gas or other fluid from inside the housing 400to the outside via the pressure relief valve 530. The flow controlsystem 600 closes the pressure relief valve 530 in a close filter ventvalve step 1030 after the pressure in the housing 400 has beenstabilized, for example by venting to the outside or after a certainpassage of time.

In the foregoing teaching example, there may be no need for a caretakerto take any action to maintain the third structure 300 in a sufficientlyclean state. The flow control system 600 senses when a cleaningoperation is required, due to its analysis of the values received fromthe inlet port pressure sensor 550 and the outlet port pressure sensor560, and orders the cleaning operation as and when required. Thecleaning operation takes place with the filter, the third structure 300,in situ; the filter need not be removed to be cleaned.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the flow control system 600 initiates thecleaning operation under timing constraints that are customizable by auser. For example, a user can interact with the user interface 715 toset certain times as quiet hours during which the cleaning operationmust not take place. In another embodiment, the user may interact withthe user interface 715 to set certain times as quiet hours during which,after the cleaning operation takes place, the pump must not berestarted.

In the teaching example just presented, the fluid for cleaning the thirdstructure 300 is supplied via a hose or a pipe from the house water of anearby dwelling. Using a separate supply of fluid for cleaning conservesthe already-treated water from the aquatic water reservoir such as apool. If the pool water were used to clean the third structure 300 andsubsequently removed from the system through the fourth fluid port 471and the drain valve 520, replacement water would need to be supplied.This replacement water would be untreated water and may be in volumelarge enough to require the addition of water treatment chemicals or atleast water testing to determine whether treatment was made necessary bythe introduction of the untreated water.

Discussion of Alternatives

In the teaching example just presented, the apparatus 10 cleans fluidfor use in a recreational aquatic water system. As can be seen in FIG.12, the water to be filtered is output, after filtration, back into thesame reservoir from which it was drawn.

In an alternative implementation, the apparatus 10 cleans fluid for usein a drinking water system. In this alternative implementation, afterbeing filtered, the fluid does not return into the same reservoir fromwhich it was drawn. Rather, the filtered water is pushed by the pump 570to a destination suitable for supplying drinking water to its intendeduser community. In one example, the filtered water may proceed to aclean water reservoir. In another example, the filtered water may besupplied via pipes to homes.

In yet another alternative implementation, the apparatus 10 isphysically located at an altitude lower than a reservoir that supplieswater to be cleaned, and an altitude higher than a destination to whichthe filtered water is to be supplied. In this instance, gravity may pushthe fluid through the system instead of a pump 570. In such an example,the pump-stop step 920 and the pump-start step 1020 are replaced by aninlet valve close step and an inlet valve open step, respectively.

In the teaching example described above, the fluid that enters the firststructure 100 is water supplied through a hose connected to a typicaldwelling. The typical dwelling has water pressure sufficient to causethe jet emitted from the first structure 100 and second structure 200 toimpact the third structure 300 with enough strength to yield excellentcleaning results. The pump 570 need not be activated for the cleaningoperation and the resulting system is simpler overall.

In an alternative implementation, however, the water pressure of thedwelling might be too low. The dwelling itself might not be available.In this situation, the pump 570, instead of the water supply of thedwelling, pushes the water into the first structure 100 via anadditional pipe or hose that connects to the pump through an additionalvalve or the like.

In the teaching example above, the apparatus 10 is permanently installedin a fixed location.

Turning to FIGS. 17 and 18, there is shown an alternative implementationin which the apparatus 10 is installed on a movable platform sized to betransported on an airplane or the bed of a truck. In FIGS. 17 and 18, acontainer assembly 1100 includes a container 1110 that protects itscontents from unauthorized access but permits authorized access via adoor 1115. The container assembly 1100 may include an electrical powersource 1120 such as a generator to supply power to the flow components580, the flow control system 600, and the like. A power control panel1130 may be provided to enable convenient on/off control over aconnection between the electrical power source 1120 and elements thatreceive power from it. In an alternative implementation, the electricalpower source 1120 is omitted when local electrical power is available toconnect through the power control panel 1130.

The container 1110 may be equipped with a door 1115 that is lockable toprevent unauthorized persons and wild animals from accessing andinterfering with the equipment. As such, the container 1110 may includea base, cage-type walls that facilitate airflow, and a metal roof. Asmentioned above, the electrical power source 1120 is not strictlynecessary where power is available and reliable. Where power isunreliable or intermittent, the use of the electrical power source 1120may enable a reliable supply of filtered water notwithstanding theunreliability of the power supply.

This alternative implementation of the apparatus 10 may be useful inproviding drinking water in remote, undeveloped, or under-resourcedareas. Because the container assembly 1100 is sized for transport on atruck and/or in an airplane, the systems may be manufactured inindustrialized areas and installed worldwide wherever water to befiltered is available.

In another alternative embodiment, an input-side reservoir may beprovided within the cage so that the pump 570 always has at least aminimum amount of water or other fluid and may not have to be primed inthe event of an unpredictable flow of water to the input side. In thisinstance, the input-side reservoir may include a sensor that cangenerate an indication to the flow control system 600 when a level ofwater within the input-side reservoir falls below a predetermined level.Because the input-side reservoir avoids the need for a maintenance visitto re-prime the pump in the case of irregular or unpredictable watersupply, the apparatus 10 can be conveniently used in even moresituations.

In another alternative embodiment, the apparatus 10 is mounted on atowable trailer together with an output-side reservoir. The trailer maybe deployed to areas that have a supply of water but not a supply ofdrinkable water. In this instance, the water, after filtration, may bestored in the output-side reservoir so that a large supply of drinkablewater is provided.

This alternative embodiment may be especially useful in disaster-reliefscenarios where the supply of water to homes is interrupted or wherepeople who need drinking water cannot access it because the disaster hasdisplaced the people from their homes.

In the teaching example previously discussed, the apparatus 10 cleansaquatic water for recreational use and is typically installed outdoors.

In an alternative implementation, the apparatus 10 cleans drinking waterwithin the home. Home water filtration systems often require homeownersto frequently replace water filters, at a cost that grows ever larger astime passes. The apparatus 10 represents a solution where the waterfilter is cleaned in-situ instead of being replaced.

In this implementation, the flow of water through the system in normaloperation does not require the pump 570. Instead, a valve controllableby the flow control system 600 may be used during a cleaning operationto direct the supply of water to the first fluid port 170 instead of tothe second fluid port 470. The fourth fluid port 471 may optionallyconnect, via the drain valve 520, to the sump pump of the home so thatthe water and debris used during the cleaning operation may be pumpedoutside of the house. The fourth fluid port 471 may optionally connectto the sewer system via the wastewater pipe system of the house.

Because house water pressure is sufficient to push the water through theapparatus 10 in the normal operation mode and is sufficient to emit astrong cleaning jet during the cleaning operation mode, both modes canbe performed without the use of a pump 570, in this alternativeimplementation.

In an embodiment, the flow control system 600 further includes an accesspoint for data communications. The access point (AP) may be a wirelessoutdoor AP under control of the processing system 605. The wirelessoutdoor AP may be adapted to connect to a network such as a local areanetwork (LAN) via Wi-Fi, and/or to a cellular data network via a2G/3G/4G/5G connection or the like. The AP may, in an embodiment, beconfigured as a repeater to join an existing Wi-Fi network to achieveInternet access. The AP may, in the container assembly 1100 embodiment,connect via satellite communications.

When equipped thus with network access, whether wired, wireless,cellular, or satellite, the processing system 605 may send and receivecommunications via the AP.

In one embodiment, the processing system 605 is configured to generateand to communicate email messages to one or more predetermined emailaddresses. In another embodiment, the processing system 605 communicateswith a server of a monitoring service that itself generates and sendsthe email messages. The email messages may be alarm messages thatindicate status information pertaining to the apparatus 10.

In an embodiment, the AP and/or the processing system 605 and memory 615provide a virtual network computing (VNC) server that can be accessed bya client app such as a VNC viewer app. In this embodiment, a user caninteract with the user interface 715 from a remote terminal accessibleto the user, and the user thereby does not need to physically come intocontact with the flow control display 720.

In an embodiment, the processing system 605 generates log files ofevents. An event may be, for example, a record of PSI(in) and PSI(out),and such events may be recorded in a log file of historical filterpressure data. Another example of an event is an operation such as whena cleaning cycle is executed, and such events may be recorded in anoperations log file. These examples are not exhaustive. In anembodiment, the AP and/or the processing system 605 and memory 615provide a server that supports the file transfer protocol (FTP). Usingthe FTP server capability allows for a user or a monitoring service torequest and receive such log files. In one embodiment, the processingsystem 605 causes such log files to automatically be communicated to theuser or a monitoring service without requiring a request to initiatesuch communication.

In another embodiment, the flow control system 600 implements aninter-device connection service (IDCS) that permits remote access formaintenance and support. In an embodiment, a maintenance and/or supportservice periodically updates software or firmware used in flow controlsystem 600. The maintenance and/or support service may be provided bythe same entity as the monitoring service provider or by a differententity such as a production facility or a factory. The maintenanceand/or support service may use the IDCS to cause the software or thefirmware updates to be applied to the flow control system 600.

CONCLUSION

The details presented above and in the drawing figures are shared toteach the inventive concepts, not to limit them. The extent and reach ofthe inventive concepts mentioned above should be ascertained from theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing; a filter,enclosed at least in part by the housing, having material that allowsfluid to pass therethrough while filtering particles from the fluid; anozzle unit, enclosed at least in part by the housing, having nozzletubes; the nozzle tubes including at least one nozzle tube and an othernozzle tube; the nozzle tubes having respective openings arranged inrespective patterns; the one nozzle tube being rotatably disposed withinthe other nozzle tube to permit a rotation of the one nozzle tube withrespect to the other nozzle tube; the respective openings of the nozzletubes being arranged in the respective patterns so that the rotation ofthe one nozzle tube with respect to the other nozzle tube causes atleast one of the respective openings of the one nozzle tube to come intoa mutual alignment, with at least one of the respective openings of theother nozzle tube, in a direction facing the filter; and a motive powersource coupled with the nozzle unit and configured to apply a rotationalforce that causes the rotation of the one nozzle tube with respect tothe other nozzle tube.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motivepower source is coupled with the filter and configured to cause thefilter to rotate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the motive powersource comprises a first motor and a second motor, distinct from thefirst motor; the first motor is configured to cause the rotation of theone nozzle tube with respect to the other nozzle tube; and the secondmotor is configured to cause the filter to rotate.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the respective openings of the one nozzle tube arearranged in a helical pattern.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein therespective openings of the other nozzle tube are arranged in a linearpattern.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the respective openings ofthe other nozzle tube are arranged in a helical pattern.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the one nozzle tube comprisespolyoxymethylene providing a snug and slidable engagement between theone nozzle tube and the other nozzle tube and accommodating a film offluid therebetween that acts as a lubricant.
 8. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising a pump operable to supply pressure to push fluidinto the nozzle unit.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the nozzleunit emits a fluid jet toward the filter when the pump pushes fluid intothe nozzle unit and the at least one of the respective openings of theone nozzle tube is in the mutual alignment with the at least one of therespective openings of the other nozzle tube.
 10. The apparatus of claim9, wherein the nozzle unit emits substantially only one said fluid jetat a time within the housing.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thenozzle unit emits a fluid jet when fluid under pressure is disposed inthe nozzle unit and the at least one of the respective openings of theone nozzle tube is in the mutual alignment with the at least one of therespective openings of the other nozzle tube.
 12. The apparatus of claim11, wherein substantially only one said fluid jet exists at a timewithin the housing.
 13. The apparatus as in claim 1, further comprisinga set of flow components that control flow of a fluid into and out ofthe housing.
 14. The apparatus as in claim 13, wherein the set of flowcomponents comprise: in the housing, a plurality of fluid ports; aplurality of valves; an inlet pressure sensor and an outlet pressuresensor; and a filter vent valve.
 15. The apparatus as in claim 14,further comprising: the one nozzle tube being coupled to a first fluidport of the plurality of fluid ports; the housing being coupled to asecond fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports; the filter beingcoupled to a third fluid port of the plurality of fluid ports; thehousing being coupled to a fourth fluid port of the plurality of fluidports; and the housing being coupled to a filter vent port.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the plurality of valves comprises: anozzle unit valve controlling a flow of the fluid through the firstfluid port; a drain valve controlling the flow of the fluid through thefourth fluid port; and a filter vent valve controlling flow through thefilter vent port.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising: apump operable to move the fluid along a first fluid path including thesecond fluid port, the filter, and the third fluid port. the inletpressure sensor sensing an inflow pressure of the fluid at the secondfluid port; and the outlet pressure sensor sensing an outflow pressureof the fluid at the third fluid port.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,further comprising a flow control system operable to communicate withthe set of flow components, the flow control system comprising: aprocessing system having a hardware processor operable to perform apredefined set of basic operations in response to receiving acorresponding basic instruction selected from a predefined nativeinstruction set of codes, and with a memory accessible to the processingsystem; flow-control logic, comprising machine codes stored in thememory and selected from the predefined native instruction set of codesof the hardware processor, adapted to interact with the set of flowcomponents, the motive power source, and the pump; the flow-controllogic having a first flow-control sublogic controlling the nozzle unitvalve to close, the drain valve to close, the filter vent valve toclose, and the pump to propel the fluid; and the flow-control logichaving a second flow-control sublogic controlling the nozzle unit valveto open, the drain valve to open, the motive power source to cause therotation of the one nozzle tube with respect to the other nozzle tube,and the motive power source to rotate the filter.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 14, further comprising: a processing system having a hardwareprocessor operable to perform a predefined set of basic operations inresponse to receiving a corresponding basic instruction selected from apredefined native instruction set of codes, and with a memory accessibleto the processing system; a user-interface controller, controlled by theprocessing system; and user-interface logic, comprising first machinecodes stored in the memory and selected from the predefined nativeinstruction set of codes of the hardware processor, adapted to operatewith the user-interface controller to implement a user interface on aflow control display; wherein the user interface comprises: a displayarea showing a present apparatus status; and user-activatable displayregions, including a manual cleaning start button and an auto cleaningon/off button.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the display areadisplays a representation of a difference between pressures sensed bythe inlet pressure sensor and the outlet pressure sensor.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein the user-activatable display regionsinclude one or more auxiliary buttons to control one or more of poollights, a spa circulation feature, a spa whirlpool feature, and a poolheater.